The convergence in Baltimore was one of 25 similar meetings in cities across the country participating in the National Action Network's jobs rally. Other cities included New York City; Akron, Ohio; Atlanta; Boston; Chicago; Charlotte, N.C.; Cleveland; Columbus, Mo.; Columbus, Ohio; Detroit; Houston; Indianapolis; Las Vegas; Memphis, Tenn.; Montgomery, Ala.; Newark; New Haven, Conn.; Philadelphia and Shreveport, La.

Attendees and various leaders also brainstormed different ways to bring about change.

"We can't just keep talking about stuff and not acting on it. We can't keep having these leaders come in and fight in this fight for us and the people not standing up and backing us up," said Paris J. Evans, a local minister.

Coordinators said a job fair is scheduled for Jan. 13 at Empowerment Temple Church on Primrose Avenue in west Baltimore.